AEROSIL® and AEROXIDE® for construction applications

Concrete and mortar are multi-component systems, which in addition to the main components cement, aggregates (sand, gravel) and water consist of a variety of organic and mineral additives.
With these materials, the processing properties (flowability, defoaming, fast hardening / curing, etc.) and the final properties (high strength, good adhesion, porosity etc). are controlled. The composition of the additives depends on the desired properties and is frequently offered as a "ready mix" in the form of admixtures.

A distinction is made between chemical and mineral admixtures. For both, silica plays a significant role:

For the production of chemical admixtures, silica is used as a processing aid (cellulose ether, redispersible powders, defoamer).

In mineral systems, the pozzolanic effect of silica is exploited, here it is one of the active components.

The brochure (TI 1398) gives a brief overview on effects in construction materials, which can be achieved by use of AEROSIL® fumed silica, SIPERNAT® specialty silica, and AEROXIDE® fumed titanium dioxide. Unique morphology (particle size, phase composition) makes these products to versatile functional additives, which can be used to improve mechanical properties of concrete, plaster and mortar, their handling properties, their longevity. A range of special environmentally relevant effects (e.g. photocatalytic activity, self-cleaning) can be achieved by using AEROXIDE® fumed titanium dioxide.